Public transportation in Colombo

Armand wrote:

Hi all,

What do you think about the means of transportation in Colombo ?

Is the network of means of transportation well developed?
What modes of transport are available?

Do you use them?

How much is a fare?

Are they relatively safe?

What is the mean of transportation you use the most in Colombo?

Thanks in advance for participating!

Transportation mode  in Colombo is mainly buses.  Colombo has two main bus stations. Those are the buses run by a private bus company and the other is the bus service supplied by government board. They are categorized as  non-luxury, semi-luxury or fully luxury buses.

Colombo and most of the cites are having train stations. Colombo Fort Station is the major train station from where begins many trains to all over the country. If you are a mountains/waterfalls lover, you can take the Badulla train, and it will take you to cold, cool upper side of the country with a comfortable climate with amazing views. If you are a tropical lover who love warm wind with eye catching thick forests and historical kingdoms, take the Anuradhapura train, it will take you to the paradise!

With the construction of highways, our transportation is now developing with super luxury buses inter cities

Whenever I want to go to Colombo, I avoid normal buses but use only these luxury buses on highways as it save time and is not much costly. For 25 mnts drive they charge us a fixed fee only 0.92$. That is so much worth and comfortable.

Trains withing short distance with power sets are not much comfortable or fast so I recommend that the engined-trains for long distance trips are better for travelers who love nature as it can give you more beautiful views than a bus trip.

Mostly travelers who like privacy and freedom like to rent a van, car with drivers (for long tours) or hire a tuk tuk (for a short distance). Charges for hiring a car or van depends on the condition of the vehicle, period, and the mileage. (0.3$- 0.4$ per a Kilometer)
Tuk-tuk in colombo area has a meter starting from 0.38$ and charges of tuk-tuk in other areas do not calculated according to the meter bust you will have to negotiate it before you get on.